Finding the Best Match for Your Family
Canine Academy offers training services designed to meet your dog’s needs and match your lifestyle. First, consider whether you have the time and energy to dedicate to giving your dog the new skills they need to be your best canine companion. If so, a lesson program might be right for you. If you prefer to have one of our professional trainers work hands-on with your dog and coach your family through successful habit building, our board and train programs or manners camps can accelerate your success.
Finally, consider your dog’s current behavior. Do you have a puppy? Are you struggling with symptoms of reactivity or separation anxiety? Or do you just want the reliable canine companion of your dreams? Our programs are specifically designed to support you in creating the canine companion you want, no matter your current state.
Canine Academy Service Offering
Canine Academy’s Board & Train Programs support dogs and their owners from drop off day through the rest of their lives. Each of these programs includes a stay and training on our campus, performance-based release from the program, a 90-day at-home follow-up program, and lifetime support. These programs are only available at Canine Academy’s main campus. Transport to and from partner locations is available on request.
Behavior Management Program. This program is recommended for dogs that struggle with fear-based aggression or with moderate to severe anxiety. The Behavior Management program commits to improving your dog’s confidence, and your confidence in your dog, so that you can enjoy life together.
Basic Obedience Program. This program is recommended for dogs over 5 months old that do not suffer from severe anxiety or fear-based aggression. The Basic Obedience Board and Train program commits to giving you a go-anywhere companion for life!
Manners Camp programs include a stay and training on campus, an intensive go-home lesson to prepare your family for success, and a follow-up phone call to make sure the transition home is smooth. These services are available at our Main Campus as well as at partner locations.
- Puppy Socialization. This program is intended for puppies that are fully vaccinated, but are not yet ready for their adult skills. During a stay on our campus, your dog will work on socialization, confidence building, and basic manners.
- Manners 1. This program is intended for dogs that are social, but struggle with impulse control around the house. The goal of the program is to focus on a subset of basic obedience commands that are particularly useful for house manners.
- Manners 2. This program is a continuation of Manners 1, intended for graduates of the program that would like to work on reliability under increased distraction and various environments. Graduates of the program can expect a go-anywhere companion.
Lesson programs include weekly lesson-based learning with a trainer, either in a 1:1 or small group environment. These programs include the prescribed classroom sessions, as well as a follow-up phone call to support progress at home. These services are available at our Main Campus, at partner locations, and in-home where required.
Lessons for Anxiety or Reactivity Management. This program is recommended for dogs and their families that either will not succeed in a group class environment, or could benefit from additional applied guidance from a trainer. Dogs and their owners can expect to improve confidence and build trust to reduce anxiety and reactivity.
Small Group Lessons. This program is intended for social but impulsive dogs and their families. In this program, owners can expect to learn how to turn their dog into a go-anywhere companion through basic obedience.
Puppy Foundations. This program is intended for puppies 10-20 weeks that have received thier first round of vaccinations. During a 1:1 lesson or series of small group sessions, you your dog will work on socialization, crate training, and housebreaking.
- Manners 1. This 1:1 program is intended for dogs that are social, but struggle with impulse control around the house. The goal of the program is to focus on a subset of basic obedience commands that are particularly useful for house manners.
- Manners 2. This 1:1 program is a continuation of Manners 1, intended for graduates of the program that would like to work on reliability under increased distraction and various environments. Graduates of the program can expect a go-anywhere companion.
Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few things you can consider when determining whether or not your dog will thrive in a group setting:
Personality: Does your dog tend to be confident and social, or are they more reserved and timid? Dogs who are confident and social may do better in a group setting, as they are more likely to be comfortable interacting with other dogs.
Previous experience: Has your dog had experience interacting with other dogs in a group setting before? If so, did they enjoy the experience and behave well?
Health: Is your dog in good health? If your dog has any medical issues that might make it difficult for them to interact with other dogs, it may be best to avoid group settings.
Overall, it is important to observe your dog’s behavior and consider their personality, previous experiences, and health when determining whether or not they will thrive in a group setting.
Socializing your dog is an important part of responsible dog ownership, as it helps your dog learn to behave appropriately and comfortably around other people and animals. Here are a few tips for safely socializing your dog:
Start early: It is generally easier to socialize a puppy, as they are more open to new experiences and tend to be less fearful. However, it is never too late to socialize an adult dog!
Gradually expose your dog to new people and situations: Start by introducing your dog to a few people at a time, and gradually increase the number of people and the level of stimulation as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Use positive reinforcement: Use treats and praise to reward your dog for good behavior around new people and situations.
Avoid forcing your dog to interact: If your dog shows signs of discomfort or fear, remove them from that situation.
A board and train program is a type of dog training program in which the dog stays in the care of a professional dog trainer for a period of time. During this time, the trainer works with the dog on obedience training, building confidence, and incentivizing patience.
There are several benefits to a board and train program:
Intensive training: Because the dog is in the care of the trainer for a period of time, they are able to receive more intensive and focused training combined with exposure to new and tantalizing distractions. At the end of a board and train stay, you can expect your dog to succeed at each command under high levels of distraction, for a duration of time, and a distance from their handler.
Professional guidance: A professional trainer has the experience and knowledge to work with dogs of all personalities and dispositions. Positive reinforcement training is the foundation for all Canine Academy training programs, which not only teach your dog how to be a good boy or girl, but ensures they are happy and safe during training as well.
Consistency: Habit development is a key aspect to life-long training success. A board and train program helps to set the foundation from which building those habits is achievable.
Separation anxiety is a common behavior issue in dogs that occurs when a dog becomes anxious or distressed when separated from their owner or primary caregiver. Symptoms of separation anxiety can include excessive barking or whining, destructive behavior, elimination (urinating or defecating indoors), and attempts to escape.
Separation anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, and every dog’s experience is different. Obedience training can be an effective way to help reduce symptoms of separation anxiety by building confidence, structure and a sense of purpose.
Training also promotes both exercise and mental stimulation. When the dog is actively focused on doing a job and is physically or mentally tired, they are less likely to exhibit signs of anxiety.
Dog reactivity refers to a dog’s tendency to become overly excited, anxious, or aggressive in response to certain stimuli, such as other dogs, people, or objects (toys, food, etc).
Training can be an effective way to help a dog manage or even eliminate reactivity. Here are a few training methods that may be helpful:
Desensitization and counterconditioning: This involves gradually exposing the dog to the stimuli that trigger their reactivity (such as other dogs) and rewarding him for calm behavior. Over time, this can help the dog learn to associate the trigger with positive experiences instead of anxiety or aggression.
Obedience training: Teaching the dog basic obedience commands (such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come”) can give him a sense of structure and purpose, which can help reduce reactivity.
Leash training: Teaching the dog to walk calmly on a leash can help prevent him from becoming reactive when out on walks.
Exercise and mental stimulation: Providing the dog with adequate exercise and mental stimulation can help tire him out and reduce reactivity.
Preventing dog reactivity or separation anxiety can be a challenging task, but there are some things you can try to help your dog feel more comfortable and secure. Here are a few ideas:
Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation: Regular exercise and mental stimulation can help your dog feel more balanced and calm. This can be in the form of walks, runs, games, and training sessions.
Gradually acclimate your dog to being alone: If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, try leaving them alone for short periods of time and gradually increasing the duration over time. This can help your dog become more accustomed to being alone.
Use positive reinforcement training: Use positive reinforcement techniques to teach your dog to associate good things with being alone or encountering other dogs or people.
Create a safe space: Provide your dog with a crate or designated area where they can feel safe and secure when they are alone or when they are feeling anxious.
Consult with a professional: If your dog’s reactivity or separation anxiety is severe or not improving, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for additional guidance and support.